A64833:162
Venning's remains, or, Christ's school consisting of four classes of Christians, I. babes, II.…
Venning's remains, or, Christ's school consisting of four classes of Christians, I. babes, II. little children, III. young men, IV. fathers : with their several characteristical differences and attainments, also the doctrines proper to be taught to each of them : being the substance of many sermons / preached by Ralph Venning and fitted by him for the press before his death.
London: printed for John Hancock senior and junior, 1675
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
1. This Faith which they have (as to both God and Christ) puts it self forth in purposes and resolutions to go to God, though it be but on a probability or possibility (such as that of the Lepers, 2 Kings 7.) uncertain hope is preferred before certain danger and death: No sooner did the Prodigal believe that in his Fathers house there was bread enough, but (on this very account, though he knew not how he should speed) he would venture to go, rather than perish with hunger: and this was first in a purpose, I will arise go, &c. Well, saith the soul, I see this, if I live in my sins I must die, ⟨p. 115⟩(sin and death keep company) but there is mercy with the Lord, he can forgive me, if it so please him; and 'tis a faithful saying and northy to be received that Jesus Christ came into the world to • save sinners; and though I cannot say God will be merciful to me, yet I will arise and go, I will adventure, and see what he will do with my poor Soul. And truly God takes this kindly (as 'twas said of David about building the Temple, that 'twas in his heart to arise and go:) these first motions are very acceptable to God.
1. This Faith which they have (as to both God and Christ) puts it self forth in purposes and resolutions to go to God, though it be but on a probability or possibility (such as that of the Lepers, 2 Kings 7.) uncertain hope is preferred before certain danger and death: No sooner did the Prodigal believe that in his Fathers house there was bread enough, but (on this very account, though he knew not how he should speed) he would venture to go, rather than perish with hunger: and this was first in a purpose, I will arise go, &c. Well, saith the soul, I see this, if I live in my sins I must die, ⟨p. 115⟩(sin and death keep company) but there is mercy with the Lord, he can forgive me, if it so please him; and 'tis a faithful saying and northy to be received that Jesus Christ came into the world to • save sinners; and though I cannot say God will be merciful to me, yet I will arise and go, I will adventure, and see what he will do with my poor Soul. And truely God takes this kindly (as 'twas said of David about building the Temple, that 'twas in his heart to arise and go:) these first motions are very acceptable to God.